Strong Storms Today Lead to Nice Weekend

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) - Lots of strong and severe thunderstorms across the state today. Most of them were localized in the southeastern corner as that is where the cold front was passing through today. On the bright side, we saw much cooler temperatures all around as a result. Most places saw 60s and 70s for the highs, while the northwestern corner saw highs in the 50s. The smoke has gone away for the most part thanks to the strong winds and showers over the past day. On the warning map, there are some high wind watches and warnings in effect to the west of Cheyenne and Laramie.

Thanks to the system moving through, all our red flag warnings have gone and most of our air... — Thanks to the system moving through, all our red flag warnings have gone and most of our air quality warnings too. We are now seeing severe thunderstorm watches and high wind warnings from this system.(Jordan Frazier)

These areas are expected to see wind gusts over 50 MPH, so use caution. In the Nebraska panhandle, a severe thunderstorm watch is in effect as they can expect to see severe thunderstorms lasting into the late evening and even overnight hours. Despite the fact that there are lots of showers and storms, some of which on the severe side, we could really use that rain given our current drought conditions. Speaking of which, the new drought monitor was released today and it is not good news.

The new drought monitor was released and it is now showing that much of the state under some... — The new drought monitor was released and it is now showing that much of the state under some type of drought condition.(Jordan Frazier)

The drought situation across the state has gotten a little bit worse with even the southeastern corner now under an abnormally dry risk. Hopefully the rain from this system will help it out. We can expect showers and storms to last into the late evening and overnight hours around the state with the worst of it in the southeastern corner and the rest of the region just seeing them scattered.

Lots of severe storms associated with this front as it moves through, everything from mixed... — Lots of severe storms associated with this front as it moves through, everything from mixed rain, to windy conditions, and flash flooding.(Jordan Frazier)

Tonight, temperatures will be below average with lows in the low 50s and 40s. Some places in the northwest can even see those 30s overnight. Tomorrow, there will be less rain in the forecast, but very strong winds as the front is finally moving out. Temperatures will be below average, but pleasant nonetheless. Expect highs in the 60s and 70s with some 50s thrown in as well. By the end of this weekend, conditions will dry out and warm up back into the 80s.